Chandigarh, September 26 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday paid heartfelt tribute to the Sikh community, describing it as a courageous people who sacrificed their lives to protect their faith but never bowed down. Addressing Sikh representatives from across the state, he said the pain of the families affected by the 1984 riots is the pain of the entire nation, and their struggle continues to inspire everyone.
The Sikh community expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for passing a proposal in the Monsoon Session to provide government jobs to members of 121 families who lost loved ones in the 1984 riots. Saini said their sacrifices and valor are a matter of pride for every Indian. From the freedom struggle to defending the nation after independence, Sikhs have made immense contributions and offered supreme sacrifices.
He called the 1984 anti-Sikh riots “a black chapter” in the history of Indian democracy and humanity. Thousands of innocent Sikhs lost their lives, homes, and loved ones. He added that despite such atrocities, the community’s service and humanitarian spirit remain unparalleled, reaching wherever humanity is in crisis.
Saini stressed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, justice for riot victims has been a key priority. Special commissions were set up, trials were accelerated, compensation schemes implemented, and a commitment was made to ensure no family is denied justice. He reiterated that discrimination based on caste, religion, language, or region has no place in Haryana.
Highlighting the Modi government’s respect for Sikh heritage, he recalled initiatives such as commemorating the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, declaring December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas in honor of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th Prakash Purab, and inaugurating the Kartarpur Corridor. Saini said the “double engine government” has always worked with devotion and respect toward Sikh sentiments.
The Chief Minister also noted that Haryana has named educational institutions after Sikh Gurus. A medical college in Yamunanagar will be named after Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, while a college in Assandh will carry the name of Baba Fateh Singh Ji. In December 2022, the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee was established, granting greater autonomy to the community.
To support religious pilgrims, the state launched the Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Scheme, offering financial assistance to those traveling to key Sikh shrines such as Hazur Sahib, Nankana Sahib, Hemkund Sahib, and Patna Sahib.
Saini concluded by urging society to remain vigilant against forces spreading hatred and division. “The lesson from 1984 is that the struggle for justice may be long and difficult, but victory always belongs to justice,” he said. “Together, we will build a developed Haryana and a developed India, where brotherhood, love, and justice prevail.”
The event was attended by CM’s OSD Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Dr. Prabhleen Singh, Media Secretary Praveen Atre, Baba Gulab Singh, Baba Kashmir Singh, Baba Gurdeep Singh, Baba Davinder Singh, and numerous Sikh community members from across the state.
